<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SJVC-Bakersfield-Medical-Assisting-students-help-local-homeless-shelter.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3041" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SJVC-Bakersfield-Medical-Assisting-students-help-local-homeless-shelter-300x228.jpg" alt="SJVC Bakersfield Medical Assisting students help local homeless shelter" width="300" height="228" /></a>The <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC's Bakersfield campus." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/bakersfield" target="_blank">Bakersfield campus</a> Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting Club launched a campus-wide drive to raise funds for backpacks and school supplies for children at the Bakersfield Homeless Center (BHC).

"We wanted to help out the children in our community," says <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC's Medical Assistant program." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant" target="_blank">Medical Assisting</a> student, Stephanie Johnston. "There were so many children in need of a backpack and school supplies for the new school year, and we felt that we should contribute to that need."

The CAMA Club’s weekly food sales funded much-needed backpacks and supplies for children at the Center. "We know that our contribution made a difference to the children in need," says Stephanie.

The Bakersfield Homeless Center is a 174-bed facility that provides shelter, food and advocacy to those most in need – typically a single parent with children who have lost their home to personal or economic crisis.

"Without the support and community partners such as the one we have with San Joaquin Valley College, we here at the Bakersfield Homeless Center would not be able to help our families and children," says Cindy Lyday, External Affairs Manager for the center. "We are grateful for the donation of backpacks made to our Back to School Backpack Drive and you helped us reach our goal of 500 backpacks!"

Members of the CAMA Club dropped off the collected backpacks at a local TV station.

"BHC sleeps over 100 children a night and every school age child was thrilled when they got the chance to pick out the backpack they wanted for this school year," says Cindy. Excess backpacks are provided throughout the school year to new children needing the safety and comforts the Center provides.

SJVC Bakersfield was happy to support Bakersfield Homeless Center’s mission.